Finding a way to win is how the Packers can define who they are and what their true identity should look like
Green Bay found a way to beat the Arizona Cardinals, improving to 4-1-1 in the season. Despite the inconsistency, team got away with an impactful result.
It wasn’t always pretty, and it wasn’t consistent. But once again, the Green Bay Packers did enough to win by overcoming tough circumstances and beating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 to get their first road victory of 2025.
In the fourth quarter, the Packers did what they had to do, especially on offense, to get away with an important result and improve to 4-1-1 on the season. Now, on to Pittsburgh to face Aaron Rodgers.
Courage should be rewarded
Matt LaFleur didn’t have his best day in terms of play-calling, but at least he showed aggressiveness and attitude by calling some big fourth downs.
One in the first half wasn’t converted because Jordan Love overthrew Romeo Doubs, but they got a huge one late in the fourth quarter. Love found Tucker Kraft, and that set up a touchdown drive instead of a field goal to go ahead.
Play-action is the way to go on offense
The offense was never consistent, with few free receivers down the field and mediocre run blocking for the most part. In the second half, though, LaFleur did exactly what he was supposed to do, calling more play-action and throws to the middle of the field. That created a positive effect on both phases, setting up easier passes for Jordan Love and elevating the run game for Josh Jacobs.
The starting running back was on a limited snap count in the first half, but the Packers unleashed him more after halftime despite his calf injury.
Talking about playaction, there was one when Love found Kraft to start the fourth quarter.
Instead of second- and third-down runs going nowhere, the play-action has clearly been much more effective. It’s a game-changer for the offense, and there’s no reason not to use it more and more.
It all gets easier with Parsons, despite questionable approach
The Packers are back to the “bend, don’t break” days on defense. The cornerbacks are not good beyond Keisean Nixon, and that has forced defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to adjust, making them play soft coverage. Offenses have taken advantage of it, and the Cardinals in particular did it on Sunday. That somewhat negates what the pass rush is able to produce, creating easy throws and regular production for the offense.
That perception was more obvious on third downs against the Cardinals, with Jacoby Brissett finding easy options to convert, including a monster gain on third and 23 in the second quarter, before the Cardinals scored their first touchdown of the day.
Even though the defense gave up big plays and too many easy outlets for Brissett, at least the unit also generated explosives on its own. Rashan Gary forced a fumble recovered by Evan Williams, and the defense forced a significant turnover on downs late in the fourth quarter, stopping a fourth-and-one.
Overall, the Packers should be glad they have Parsons. The star edge rusher had a monster game, with three sacks at the most impactful moments, including one in the final drive to negatively affect the Cardinals’ comeback attempt.
Secondary personnel issues
Nate Hobbs is looking more and more like a free agency mistake. At least, considering how the Packers intended to use him. Green Bay gave him a four-year, $48 million contract (much more than his free agency projections) because the team thought he could play inside and outside.
Well, it’s becoming increasingly clear Hobbs can’t play outside. He got cooked multiple times during the game, had a big holding penalty in the fourth quarter, and it’s hard to see positive plays by him.
At this point, the Packers should just prioritize Carrington Valentine as a boundary cornerback, even if the former seventh-round pick hasn’t been that impressive, either. And if Hobbs can’t beat Javon Bullard in the slot, so be it, move him to the bench.
Green Bay Packers News
Matt LaFleur confirms what’s becoming increasingly obvious about Micah Parsons and the Packers’ defense
Parsons has transformed the Packers’ defense with his individual performance, but also with how opposing offenses are forced to adjust their protection schemes.
